Benzema's return to Lyon has fallen through following his departure from Al Hilal

Karim Benzema is open to a return to Lyon without any financial compensation, but his intended transfer from Al Hilal ultimately fell through.

Karim Benzema nearly made a return to his former club Lyon this summer, but the transfer from Al Hilal ultimately fell through.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly expressed a desire to return to France and play for his hometown club without accepting a salary, as stated by L’Equipe.

However, Lyon’s interest arose while Benzema remained under contract with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, which complicated the potential transfer.

The former Real Madrid striker terminated his contract with Al Hilal just six months after joining the Saudi club from Al Ittihad.


Benzema’s departure followed Al Hilal's announcement regarding the signing of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.

The unsuccessful attempt indicates that Benzema will not be making the expected return to the club where he started his professional journey, even though he reportedly expressed a desire to play without compensation.